Poly(lactic-co-glycolide) based biodegradable electrically and magnetically active microenvironments for tissue regeneration applications. (15th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hermenegildo, B.; Meira, R.M.; Correia, D.M.; Díez, A.G.; Ribeiro, S.; Serra, J.P.; Ribeiro, C.; Pérez-Álvarez, L.; Vilas-Vilela, J.L.; Lanceros-Méndez, S.
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 171(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05-15
• Subjects: Magnetic and ionic materials -- Poly(lactic-co-glycolide) -- Electrospun membranes -- Tissue engineering; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Novel biodegradable scaffolds with electro- and magnetoactive response were developed. PLGA films and fibers with Fe3 O4 and [Chol][TFSI] were produced. Degradability of magnetic PLGA samples increased with dynamic magnetic stimulation. Magnetoactive biodegradable PLGA composites are suitable for TE applications. Abstract: Polymer scaffolds are playing an increasing role in tissue engineering (TE), although there is still a need to improve their biomimicry of cellular microenvironments, by having smart scaffolds with an active response, which can improve tissue regeneration. This work reports on the novel combination of poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) with the ionic liquid (IL) choline bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Chol][TFSI]) or with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3 O4, NP) in order to achieve biodegradable scaffolds with electroactive and magnetoactive response, respectively. The composites were processed into fiber and film morphologies. PLGA + IL fibers present diameters between 1.92 and 3.26 µm, decreased mechanical stiffness and elongation at yield with respect to the pristine polymer, and some fiber concentrations are not biocompatible. PLGA + IL films present a mean roughness 6.58 nm, increased mechanical stiffness with respect to the pristine polymer and decreased elongation at yield. The inclusion of IL increased the electrical conductivity of the polymer by 4 orders or magnitude. The diameter of PLGA + Fe3 O4 fibers ranged from 0.62 to 1.36 µm, show an effective magnetic NP content yield between 52 and 78%, decreased stiffness and increased elongation at yield. PLGA + Fe3 O4 films show a mean roughness of 5.07 nm, effective NP content yield between 77 and 97%, increased stiffness and elongation at yield. Cytotoxicity assays indicate that the PLGA + Fe3 O4 materials are suitable for biomedical applications, independently of the filler content and morphology, whereas the IL containing samples are non-cytotoxic only in film morphology up to 5% wt. IL content. Finally, it is demonstrated that dynamic magneto mechanical stimulation of the PLGA + Fe3 O4 samples allows the acceleration of the degradation rate of the samples.